Vets' epic Norfolk challenge

Running, swimming, canoeing and biking his way round Norfolk – a North Walsham vet has found a unique way to raise funds in memory of his baby sister who died of meningitis

Toby Morrell will be joined by friend and fellow vet Tom Hume on the “Round Norfolk” challenge in July, which they aim to do over the course of five days.

Funds raised will go to Meningitis Now and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich hospital in memory of Toby’s baby sister Clare, who died of meningitis at just nine months old.

“I never got to meet my older sister but have always wanted to do something to help the charities that do so much to help other families suffering such heartbreak,” said Toby, who, along with Tom, works at Westover vets in North Walsham.

“Since a child, I have seen meningitis affect other people close to me – a good friend was seriously ill shortly after we got to university and the daughter of two other close friends also suffered meningitis as a very young baby."

“Fortunately, both made full recoveries – and this is largely thanks to the work that has been done over recent years to help diagnose and treat the disease”.

Toby and Tom’s 240 mile journey will start on 11 July at their vets surgery in North Walsham, where they will run to the River Bure near Aylsham. They then plan to swim for six miles before hopping in a canoe the next day near Coltishall and paddling for 35 miles to Great Yarmouth.

The pair will swap blistered hands for sore bottoms the following morning to cycle the southern and western sides of the county, taking in 130 miles to Hunstanton. On day four they intend to follow coastal path as they run 32 miles to Blakeney and then finally on the final day run another 30 miles back around the coast to Mundesley and back to the start at North Walsham.

“We anticipate a lot of blisters and a lot of chafing so all donations will be gratefully received,” said Toby – who has set up a JustGiving page for the event, which has already raised more than £800.

Everyone at Meningitis Now wishes Toby and Tom good luck – and hopes they manage to enjoy the challenge as well as raise lots of funds!